Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Ram 1500 Huge Horn Crew Cab 4WD
Specs
Class: Massive Pickup Truck
Colour: Granite Crystal
Nation of manufacture: U.S.
Seating capability: 5
Miles pushed: 168
Actual-world gasoline financial system: 17.6 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | A |
| Match and End | B |
| Gasoline Financial system | B |
| Worth | A |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not mirror Client Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Huge & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 395-horsepower 5.7-liter |
| Engine Sort | V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized |
| Drive Wheels | 4WD |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline financial system: 16/20/18 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline sort: Midgrade gasoline
Base value: $52,380 (not together with $2195 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check car: Particular paint ($295), Sport Look Package deal ($1405), Mattress Utility Group ($945), Huge Horn Degree 2 Tools Group ($2875), Tri–Fold Tonneau Cowl ($550), Trailer-Brake Controller ($296), “Hemi” V8 engine ($2895)
Value as examined: $63,835
Execs and Cons
The good: Class-leading experience and dealing with, loads of energy, comfy cabin
The great: Huge Horn trim stage hits big-pickup value candy spot
The not so good: Hemi engine requires dear midgrade gasoline
Assessment
The pickup truck seen right here—as outfitted—could be the most-popular Ram 1500 configuration bought in 2026. It hits on two key truck-buyer needs—affordability and energy—whereas sustaining the final appear and feel of a pricier Ram mannequin.
Pickup-Value Candy Spot
Whereas the typical transaction value for a brand new car within the U.S. presently hovers round $50,000, full-size pickups promote for rather more. Per Cox Automotive, massive pickups had been going for round $58,000 in 2024, and can doubtless common nearer to $60,000 for 2025.
Whereas massive pickups can go for rather more than that—take a look at our assessment of the Ram 1500 Tungsten—that $60,000 quantity is the candy spot for most of the 2 million-plus shopper who drive a brand new full-size pickup residence yearly.
(By the best way…That $60,000 value, plus $6000 in taxes and costs, with a 20-percent down cost, involves virtually precisely $1000 a month a 6-year mortgage at present rates of interest. A major psychological value threshold for a lot of automobile consumers.)
And truthfully, whereas much less opulently outfitted than most of the pickups we consider right here at Client Information, we discovered this popularly outfitted, Hemi-packing instance a compelling instance of the breed.
And about that Hemi…
The Hemi is Again
The Dodge and Ram manufacturers of Stellantis have invested tens of hundreds of thousands of {dollars} promoted the Hemi model. Ascribed to a V8 engine of no less than 5.7-liters in displacement, the Hemi moniker has served these Stellantis manufacturers effectively, delivering dependable energy for efficiency driving, hauling and towing, and general-purpose commuting.
However, the Hemi isn’t particularly gasoline environment friendly, and was lastly retired from Ram light-duty purposes after the 2024 mannequin yr.
Engines
The Ram 1500 was freshened for the 2025 mannequin yr, at which era the Hemi V8 was changed by a pair of 6-cylinder engines dubbed “Hurricane.” The three.0-liter inline engines featured direct injection and turbocharging, and had been rated at 420 horsepower for the bottom unit, and a stout 540 for the “H.O.” variant. Each Hurricane engines got here in with extra energy the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (395 horsepower) and improved gasoline financial system.
Actually, a more-powerful, more-efficient engine can be precisely what the Ram wanted to assist seize just a little market share in what’s a extremely aggressive market phase. Actually. Or not…
Sluggish Gross sales
Possibly the Ram of us oversold the glory of Hemi possession, however many would-be Ram consumers rejected the brand new Hurrican engines, opting as a substitute to buy a Chevrolet or Ford—each of which might nonetheless be had with conventional V8 engines—or just selecting to not by a pickup truck in any respect. Regardless, gross sales have slipped in 2025, and Ram brass have acted shortly to stem their losses.
Via the primary three quarters of 2025, Ram pickup gross sales are down virtually 15 p.c from the identical interval in 2024. This regardless of a freshening that included up to date inside and exterior styling. Throughout the identical interval Ford F-Collection truck gross sales slipped about 6 p.c, whereas Chevy Silverado gross sales improved barely (about 1 p.c.)
We needn’t assume that the Hemi engine’s absence was a big a part of the gross sales decline downside, as public outcry, and supplier outrage, has made it clear that the outdated V8 nonetheless had a fanbase.
So, for the 2026 mannequin yr, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is again, and in an fascinating twist, it makes much more noise than it used to. Extra on that exhaust word in a second.
Take a look at Automobile
Client Information lately spent every week with a 2026 Ram 1500 crew cab. Our check truck got here in in style Huge Horn trim, and had been it not for the out there Hemi engine (a $2895 choice) our check truck would have are available in proper round that $60,000 candy spot.
As for Hemi pricing—it’s difficult. The Huge Horn comes customary with Ram’s tried-and-true, and arguably just a little sleepy—3.6-liter 305-horsepower “Pentastar” V6 engine. For folk who don’t usually carry heavy hundreds, the V6 engine will serve effectively, and return first rate gasoline financial system within the cut price.
Out there optionally is 420-horsepower model of the brand new Hurrican 3.0-liter turbocharged six. Stepping as much as the Hurricane 6 provides $1695 to the tab, which appears like a good change for the additional 115 horsepower, and extra torque.
Efficiency Exhaust and eTorue
Stepping over to the Hemi engine provides $2895 to the underside, this regardless of the actual fact the old-school V8 produces much less horsepower and torque than the Hurricane engine. Nevertheless, the Hemi engine now comes customary with the Mopar G/T efficiency exhaust, which had been a $1700 choice. Additionally included with the Hemi engine is the “Image or Protest” fender badge. Additionally embrace on Hemi’s is Ram “eTorque” mild-hybrid system, which gives extra torque when pulling away from a cease, and might enhance gasoline financial system. Word, nonetheless, that the Hemi engine requires a food plan of pricy midgrade fuel, whereas the Hurricane mill will get by on regular-grade gasoline.
Journey and Dealing with
Right here’s the excellent news, the 2026 Ram 1500 is nearly as good as its all the time been, which is to say it’s excellent. The massive pickups subtle coil-spring rear suspension retains the Ram a best-in-class choice by way of experience and dealing with, and likewise helps maintain factor quiet within the cabin.
Cabin Appointments
And talking of the cabin, we at Client Information hardly ever take pleasure in assessment time in lower-priced Ram choices, as we’re typically introduced with higher trim ranges as a substitute. A lot to our shock, our check Lengthy Horn is simply as properly completed and almost as luxurious as more-expensive Rams we’ve check pushed.
Sure, the cabin is lined with much less opulent supplies—and a LOT much less leather-based—however the ambiance remains to be heat and usually upscale. At roughly $60,000, our check truck appears like a really sturdy worth.
As for the Hemi, it’s nonetheless sturdy and responsive, it’s just a bit louder now due to the efficiency exhaust system.
Worth
We’re massive followers of the Ram, and have named the massive pickup to our Client Information Greatest Purchase checklist once more for 2026. We discover the Hemi engine one thing of a foolish distraction, nonetheless it’s nonetheless a superb truck motor, and for those who benefit from the exhaust word…why not?
In Lengthy Horn trim, the Ram represents sturdy worth within the big-truck phase, and outfitted with the Hurricane engine it delivers loads of energy and cheap gasoline financial system. If you happen to will need to have the Hemi—and we form of perceive the urge—be absolutely conscious that you simply’re paying just a little extra for rather less—even when your truck will sound actually cool.
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2026 Ram 1500 Footage
Click on beneath for enlarged pictures
